2010 Story County - Larry Anderson

Larry Anderson has a passion for 4-H which led him to join the leader team for the Palestine Peppy Pushers 4-H Club in 1982 and he is still involved.  He served as the organizational leader for at least 14 of those years.

When one works with Larry on a committee or project, you will soon catch his enthusiasm and belief that anything is possible.  That enthusiasm has played out in a number of community service projects carried out by the club, as well as raising dollars for the Story County 4-H Endowment.

The Palestine Peppy Pushers 4-H Club has worked over the years to raise dollars to support community projects in Huxley and the other South Story communities.  Their biggest accomplishment was the outdoor amphitheatre in Huxley’s Railroad Park.  They sold firewood, had a concession trailer for community festivals, and did pancake breakfasts to earn money toward the $65,000 needed for the amphitheatre.  After many hours of donated labor, some successful grant applications, and selling bricks and pavers, the amphitheatre was dedicated at the August 2000 Prairie Festival.  One parent summed the project up this way:  Larry and his tireless 4-H’ers enjoyed every minute of it.”

In addition, the club raised dollars to support the Ballard area fire departments ($2340), trees for the Sheldahl Park, Slater swimming pool ($4517), the Kelley Sports Complex, lights for the Slater outdoor stage, and scholarships for graduating seniors at the Ballard High School.  The club was recognized with the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1998 for their support of the Kelly Sports Complex.

In 2004 Larry was part of a team that established the Story County 4H Foundation Board.  That summer they set their first goal which was to raise $100,000.  By June 2007, this goal had been reached and the board began accepting applications for community service grants.  The focus of the grants is leadership growth and development in youth.  4-H members have carried out 11 community service projects in the past 3 years.  In addition the board has supported new club formation, educational experiences for youth, and membership recruitment.

The son of a Brown Swiss dairy farmer, Larry grew up as a 4-Her showing cattle at the Hamilton County Fair.  He and his wife, Karen, have three sons who were active in Story County 4-H.  When Larry is involved, Karen is right there helping with the details and supporting him all the way.

Serving others is also a part of Larry’s life beyond 4-H.  He has been President of the Downtown Des Moines Kiwanis Club, President of the Iowa Management Association, member of the board of Directors for Bethany Life Communities, on Ballard Community School committees, and active in his church.